1. Willie Tonga joined French club the Catalans Dragons in 2015 and signed a contract with the Centurions for 2016.
20 Facts About Willie Tonga
1. 2.
Willie Tonga was the first child of Tongan immigrant John Tonga and Wiradjuri woman, Maria Naden.
3.
Willie Tonga's parents continued to move around working for the Aboriginal Inland Missionaries and the family finally settled in Cherbourg, Queensland, an Aboriginal community in Queensland.
4.
Willie Tonga was signed by the Parramatta Eels and played 8 games over two seasons.
5.
Willie Tonga's career catapulted in that one year, earning State of Origin selection, allowing him to become the 145th player to be chosen for the Queensland side since 1980.
6.
Willie Tonga was selected in the Australian team to go and compete in the end of season 2004 Rugby League Tri-Nations tournament.
7.
Willie Tonga was picked for the Australian side for the 2005 Tri-Nations series, making his first full year in the NRL a success.
8.
On 1 April 2008, it was announced that Willie Tonga had signed a four-year deal with the North Queensland Cowboys, commencing in 2009.
9.
In June, Willie Tonga played in Game II of the 2009 State of Origin Series to replace Justin Hodges.
10.
Willie Tonga was retained for the third match which the Maroons lost.
11.
In 2010 Willie Tonga played all three Origin matches for the Maroons.
12.
In June 2013, Willie Tonga was one of 12 Parramatta players that were told that their futures at the club were uncertain by coach, Ricky Stuart.
13.
Willie Tonga returned towards the end of the 2013 NRL season making four appearances as Parramatta finished last for a second consecutive year.
14.
Willie Tonga later re-signed with Parramatta until the end of the 2015 NRL season.
15.
Willie Tonga was awake at 1:00am when he received a call from Maitua's sister, who had received a text message which scared her greatly.
16.
Willie Tonga chose to drive to Maitua's unit, and found Maitua attempting to take his own life.
17.
Willie Tonga believes that had he even arrived 10 seconds later, Maitua would not have survived.
18.
On 9 July 2014, it was confirmed that Willie Tonga had signed a contract to play for the Super League club the Catalans Dragons in 2015.
19.
Willie Tonga made his Super League debut in round 1 against the 2014 Champions, St Helens.
20.
Willie Tonga scored his first ever Super League try against the Warrington Wolves in round 3.